Shiatsu is an elegant, restorative and truly relaxing therapeutic experience. A practitioner will work with sensitivity to your needs, constitution and general energy levels. They will incorporate a variety of techniques, including gentle holding and applying pressure to the meridians with their hands, thumbs, knees and elbows to support you and improve your energy flow. As appropriate they may apply more dynamic rotations of the joints and stretching the limbs to ease out stiffness and stimulate the body’s energetic functions.

In shiatsu, touch is the most significant method of diagnosing your energy levels, the practitioner will lightly touch the diagnostic areas on the abdomen (called Hara in Japanese) or the back that relate to each meridian. They will also take a case history to gain information about you, your medical history, aches and pains, sleep patterns and dietary preferences. These methods allow the practitioner to diagnose your current condition from an Oriental Medicine perspective.

Each shiatsu session lasts approximately one hour, with the treatment itself lasting about 45 minutes. A treatment session usually takes place at floor level on a futon (padded mat) with the client wearing light, loose clothing. The treatment should not be painful. Occasionally there may be some discomfort due to a particularly sensitive area being contacted but this is usually experienced as ‘good’ pain. As the quality of Ki changes the symptoms associated with a lack of flow will gradually improve. This is generally experienced as a sense of deep relaxation and connectedness.

Guidelines for treatment
Wear loose, comfortable clothing preferably cotton, e.g. sweatshirt, tracksuit trousers and cotton socks. Please do not eat heavily in the two hours prior to a treatment. Do not drink alcohol before or after a treatment. After treatment we recommend you drink plenty of water to help smooth the flow of changes through your system.If possible, avoid strenuous or stressful activities after your session.